Debris collecting attachment for machine tool

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for collecting dust and debris generated by a machine tool includes a base member configured to be removably attachable to the machine tool, a rotatable member configured to rotate within the base member, a debris channel formed in the base member, and a debris-directing structure attached to the rotatable member and configured to direct dust and debris generated by the machine tool towards the debris channel. A suction fitting may be attached to the base member and operatively connected to a suction device that is configured to draw the dust and debris through the debris channel and towards the suction device. The base member may also be integrally formed with the machine tool.

This application claims the benefit and filing date of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/606,120, filed Sep. 1, 2004.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of machine tools and machine tool attachments.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional power-driven machine tools are used for shaping, cutting, drilling, grinding, or polishing workpieces. These machine tools generally include rotary bits with abrasive ends that, when applied to a workpiece, produce debris and/or dust particles. When such tools are used to shape workpieces formed of synthetic materials, such as acrylic or polyester resins or graphite fibers embedded within a resin matrix, the produced dust can be problematic. Thus, over the years various collection systems and attachments have been developed in an attempt to collect the dust and debris generated by machine tools when shaping a workpiece. According to one conventional approach, a suction hose connected to a suction device is provided near the rotary bit of the machine tool in hopes of drawing the generated dust and debris away from the bit and towards a suitable disposal point.

However, because the bits of industrial machine tools must rotate at extremely high speeds in order to successfully machine a workpiece (a typical industrial router bit, for example, travels at speeds ranging from 8,000 RPM to over 24,000 RPM), the debris and dust particles generated by these bits are generally propelled away from the workpiece at extreme velocities. Therefore, even when a hose connected to a high-powered suction device is brought into close proximity to the bit of a machine tool, a significant portion of the propelled dust and debris generated by the machine tool may escape the draw of the suction device and disperse into the worksite.

Accordingly, there exists a need for an apparatus and method for collecting the dust and debris generated by industrial machine tools.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In certain embodiments, an apparatus for collecting dust and debris generated by a machine tool comprises a base member configured to be removably attachable to the machine tool, a rotatable member rotatably retained within the base member, a debris channel formed in the base member, and a debris-directing structure attached to the rotatable member and configured to direct debris generated by the machine tool towards the debris channel. A debris aperture may be formed in the rotatable member, which may be annularly shaped, and configured to be in continuous operative connection with the debris channel in the base member throughout the entire range of rotation of the rotatable member. In many embodiments, a suction fitting for receiving a suction hose connected to a suction device is attached to the base member and configured to be operatively connected to the debris channel.

According to at least one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises an annular recess formed in the base member, a plurality of vertically extending posts provided within the annular recess, and a retaining member mounted to the plurality of vertically extending posts. The retaining member may be configured to rotatably retain the rotatable member within the annular recess. The apparatus may also further comprise a recessed shelf formed along the circumference of the annular recess in the base member, with the rotatable member being configured to rest upon the recessed shelf.

According to certain embodiments, the retaining member is configured to be substantially annular in shape, with at least a portion of the outer circumference of the retaining member configured to have a larger diameter than that of the inner circumference of the rotatable member, and the remaining portion of the outer circumference of the retaining member configured to have a slightly smaller diameter than that of the inner circumference of the rotatable member.

The apparatus may also further comprise a central aperture defined in the center of the base member and configured to receive a machine tool bit. The machine tool may be a router or a handheld rotary tool and the machine tool bit may be a routing bit, a sanding bit, or a polishing bit. In certain embodiments, the thickness of the base member is greater than or equal to 9/16 of an inch. The debris-directing structure may also be configured to have a concave surface.

In at least one embodiment, the rotatable member is formed of steel. This rotatable member may also be coated with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The base member and retaining member may be formed of synthetic resin. The vertically extending posts may be configured to be substantially cylindrical and the debris aperture and the debris channel may be configured to have rounded edges.

In certain embodiments, a machine tool comprises a rotary bit, a base member configured to surround the rotary bit, a rotatable member configured to rotate within the base member and around the rotary bit, a debris channel formed in the base member, and a debris-directing structure attached to the rotatable member and configured to direct dust and debris generated by the machine tool towards the debris channel. The machine tool may also further comprise a suction device in operative connection with the debris channel and configured to draw debris generated by the rotary bit through the debris channel and towards the suction device. In at least one embodiment, the base member is integrally formed with the machine tool.

According to at least one embodiment, a method for collecting dust and debris generated by a machine tool comprises removably attaching a base member to the machine tool, providing a rotatable member configured to rotate within the base member, defining a debris channel in the base member, attaching a debris-directing structure to the rotatable member, and directing debris generated by the machine tool towards the debris channel via the debris-directing structure. This method may also further comprise operatively connecting a suction device to the debris channel and drawing dust and debris generated by the machine tool through the debris channel and towards the suction device.

Features from any of the above-mentioned embodiments may be used in combination with one another in accordance with the present invention. These and other embodiments, features and advantages will be more fully understood upon reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and are a part of the specification. Together with the following description, the drawings demonstrate and explain the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an exemplary machine tool attachment for collecting dust and debris generated by a machine tool.

FIG. 2A is a bottom perspective view of the exemplary machine tool attachment illustrated in FIG. 1, illustrating a debris-directing structure in a first position.

FIG. 2B is a bottom perspective view of the exemplary machine tool attachment illustrated in FIG. 1, illustrating a debris-directing structure in a second position.

FIG. 3 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the exemplary machine tool attachment illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B.

FIG. 4 is a sectional side elevation view of a base member of the exemplary machine tool attachment illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B.

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of a rotatable member configured to be mounted within the exemplary machine tool attachment illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B.

FIG. 6 is a side view of an exemplary machine tool attachment attached to an exemplary machine tool.

FIG. 7 is a side perspective view of an exemplary machine tool attachment for collecting the dust and debris generated by an exemplary machine tool while working a workpiece.

Throughout the drawings, identical reference characters and descriptions indicate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements. While the present invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, one of skill in the art will understand that the present invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention covers all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective of an exemplary machine tool attachment for collecting dust and debris generated by a machine tool. As seen in this figure, in at least one embodiment a machine tool attachment 10 comprises a base member 20 configured to be removably attachable to the base portion of a machine tool. Generally speaking, base member 20 of machine tool attachment 10 may be configured to mirror the size and shape of the base portion of any number of conventional machine tools; including, without limitation, industrial or consumer grade routers, handheld rotary tools (such as the DREMEL® tool), sanders, drills, saws, and other tools. Accordingly, while base member 20 is illustrated in FIG. 1 as being substantially circular in shape, the shape of base member 20 may be modified as appropriate for use in connection with machine tools of varying shapes and sizes.

In addition, while base member 20 may be formed of any number or combination of synthetic or naturally occurring materials, in certain embodiments base member 20 is formed of a synthetic thermosetting resin, such as phenolic resin. Similar to conventional dust collection attachments, base member 20 may be formed to have a thickness of between ¼ of an inch to ½ of an inch. Alternatively, in at least one embodiment base member 20 is formed to have a thickness of between 9/16 of an inch to 1 inch in order to provide sufficient support for its external and internal structure.

According to certain embodiments, a plurality of apertures 22 provided along the upper surface of base member 20 are configured to retain fasteners for securely, yet removably, attaching machine tool attachment 10 to a machine tool. However, machine tool attachment 10 may also be removably attached to the base of a machine tool using any number of alternative structures or configurations; including, for example, by clamping, snap fitting, or otherwise removably attaching machine tool attachment 10 to the base of a machine tool. Machine tool attachment 10 may also be integrally formed with, instead of removably attached to, the base of a machine tool. In other words, machine tool attachment 10 may be formed as an integral part of a machine tool during the manufacturing process, instead of being retrofitted or attached thereto.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, base member 20 may comprise a central aperture 24 configured and sized to allow a rotary bit 72 of an exemplary machine tool 70 to pass therethrough (as described in greater detail below in connection with FIGS. 6 and 7). Although central aperture 24 may be formed of any number of shapes and sizes, in at least one embodiment central aperture 24 is substantially circular. In addition, a suction fitting 30 may be attached to the upper surface of base member 20 by inserting fasteners through apertures 32 and into threaded apertures 23 formed in base member 20 (illustrated in FIG. 3). Generally speaking, suction fitting 30 represents any form of attachment or fitting capable of operably connecting base member 20 to a suction device (such as, for example, suction device 100 in FIG. 6, described in greater detail below). While suction fitting 30 is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3 as embodying a particular shape and dimension, any number of suitable shapes and dimensions may be chosen, as understood by those skilled in the art. Further, as will be appreciated, suction fitting 30 may be formed of any number of suitable materials; including, for example, molded plastics, metals or alloys, resin matrices, or the like.

According to at least one embodiment, a channel 34 is provided in suction fitting 30 and is configured to receive a suction hose 80 (illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7) operably connected to a suction device 100. In certain embodiments, suction hose 80 represents a conventional suction hose having a diameter of between ½ of an inch to 1 inch. Generally speaking, suction device 100 represents any form of system or device capable of creating suction; including, for example, a conventional central vacuum system, an industrial vacuum assembly, or the like. In at least one embodiment, suction device 100 creates a vacuum to draw air, dust and debris towards suction device 100 through suction hose 80 inserted in channel 34 of suction fitting 30.

As seen in FIGS. 1 and 3, an internal debris passageway 28 of a predetermined shape may be internally provided in a portion of the circumference of base member 20. An opening 26 (FIG. 1) may also be provided on the upper surface of base member 20 to operably connect internal debris passageway 28 with channel 34 in suction fitting 30. According to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, internal debris passageway 28 is configured to operably connect channel 34 in suction fitting 30 with an annular recess 29 provided in base member 20. Generally speaking, annular recess 29 may be formed of any number of sizes, shapes and dimensions. In at least one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the depth and width of annular recess 29 are selected such that annular recess 29 occupies a substantial percentage of the height and width of base member 20.

As seen in FIGS. 2-5, machine tool attachment 10 may also comprise a rotatable member 40 rotatably retained within base member 20. While rotatable member 40 may be formed of any number of shapes and sizes, in at least one embodiment rotatable member 40 is substantially annularly shaped (as illustrated in FIG. 5), having an inner circumference 42 and an outer circumference 44. In addition, while rotatable member 40 may be formed of any number or combination of synthetic or naturally occurring materials, in at least one embodiment rotatable member 40 is formed of a metal, such as steel. Rotatable member 40 may also be coated with any number of materials having low coefficients of friction to further enhance its ability to easily and smoothly rotate within base member 20. For example, in at least one embodiment rotatable member 40 is coated with the polymer compound polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

In certain embodiments, the diameter of outer circumference 42 (FIG. 5) of rotatable member 40 is chosen to be slightly smaller than the diameter of a recessed, circular shelf 27 (FIG. 4) defined along the inner circumference of base member 20. As seen in FIG. 4, this exemplary configuration enables rotatable member 40 to be placed and housed within base member 20, with at least a portion of its outer circumference 44 resting upon recessed shelf 27 defined in base member 20. As also seen in FIG. 4, rotatable member 40 may cover at least a portion of annular recess 29, while the depth of recessed shelf 27 may be chosen such that the entirety of rotatable member 40 is housed within base member 20.

In certain embodiments, rotatable member 40 is rotatably retained within base member 20 by a retaining member 50. As illustrated in FIGS. 2-4, in at least one embodiment retaining member 50 comprises an annular table 54 integrally formed on the upper surface of an annular base 56. As best seen in FIG. 4, annular table 54 may be configured to have a larger outer diameter than that of annular base 56. More particularly, retaining member 50 may be configured such that the outer diameter of annular table 54 is greater than the diameter of inner circumference 42 of rotatable member 40, while the outer diameter of annular base 56 is slightly less than the diameter of inner circumference 42 of rotatable member 40. According to this exemplary configuration, as best seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, annular base 56 of retaining member 50 passes through the inner circumference 42 of rotatable member 40, while annular table 54 rests upon the upper surface of the inner circumference 42 of rotatable member 40.

As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, base 56 of retaining member 50 may be inserted through the inner circumference 42 of rotatable member 40 and rest upon one or more vertically extending posts 58 provided in annular recess 29 defined in base member 20. Although posts 58 may be formed of any number of shapes and sizes, in at least one embodiment posts 58 are formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. Threaded apertures may also be provided within posts 58 to receive threaded fasteners inserted through mounting apertures 52 provided in retaining member 50. Alternatively, retaining member 50 may be mounted to posts 58 by any other type of fasteners known in the art; including, for example, screws, bolts, nails, rivets, adhesive, and the like. By fastening retaining member 50 to posts 58, retaining member 50 may be firmly, yet removably, attached to base member 20. Retaining member 50, in combination with rotatable member 40, may thus serve to substantially cover annular recess 29 formed in base member 20 to define therein a passageway for dust and debris, as illustrated in FIGS. 2-4.

In many embodiments, the heights of posts 58 are chosen such that, even after retaining member 50 has been firmly attached to posts 58, a small gap G (FIG. 4) remains between rotatable member 40 resting on shelf 27 and annular table 54 of retaining member 50. As evidenced by gap G, retaining member 50 merely loosely retains rotatable member 40 within base member 20, instead of firmly cinching the same thereto. Thus, while posts 58 and retaining member 50 securely retain rotatable member 40 within base member 20, this exemplary configuration also simultaneously allows rotatable member 40 to freely rotate along shelf 27 within base member 20.

Although retaining member 50 is illustrated as being substantially cylindrical in shape, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that retaining member 50 may be formed of any number of shapes, sizes or configurations capable of retaining rotatable member 40 within base member 20. For example, table 54 of retaining member 50 may be formed in the shape of a square, rectangle, oval, or other appropriate shape. Further, the inner diameter of retaining member 50 may be varied as necessary to accommodate rotary bits of differing sizes and shapes. In addition, while retaining member 50 may be formed of any number or combination of synthetic or naturally occurring materials, in at least one embodiment retaining member 50 is formed of a synthetic thermosetting resin, such as phenolic resin.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 3 and 5, a debris aperture 46 may be provided along a portion of rotatable member 40. In many embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 3, debris aperture 46, rotatable member 40 and annular recess 29 are configured such that debris aperture 46 remains continuously, operatively connected to annular recess 29 as rotatable member 40 rotates throughout its entire range of rotation within base member 20. As seen in FIGS. 3 and 5, the edges of debris aperture 46 may be rounded to reduce the amount of friction encountered by dust and debris traveling therethrough.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, a debris-directing structure 60 is mounted to rotatable member 40. Debris-directing structure 60 may be formed of any number of synthetic or naturally occurring materials; including, for example, molded plastic or synthetic resin. In addition, while debris-directing structure 60 may be formed of any number of shapes and sizes, in at least one embodiment debris-directing structure 60 is formed in a generally concave shape to at least partially surround debris aperture 46 and a rotary bit projecting through central aperture 24. A planar projection 62 may also be formed on the end of debris-directing structure 60 so as to more completely surround debris aperture 46.

Although debris-directing structure 60 may be mounted to rotatable member 40 in any numbers of ways and configurations, in at least one exemplary embodiment fasteners inserted through holes in debris-directing structure 60 are threaded into mounting apertures 48 provided in rotatable member 40. Mounting apertures 48 may be positioned in close proximity to debris aperture 46 such that, when debris-directing structure 60 is mounted to rotatable member 40, debris-directing structure 60 at least partially surrounds debris aperture 46.

As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, machine tool apparatus 10 may be mounted to, or integrally formed with, the base of an exemplary machine tool 70. Generally speaking, machine tool 70 represents any form of tool or device capable of sanding, routing, cutting, polishing, grinding or otherwise machining a workpiece 90. For example, machine tool 70 may be an industrial or consumer grade router, a handheld rotary tool (such as the DREMEL® tool), or the like. As seen in FIGS. 2A, 2B, 6 and 7, a rotary bit 72 of machine tool 70 may be inserted in and through a central aperture 24 defined in base member 20. In general, rotary bit 72 represents any form of bit used for sanding, routing, cutting, polishing, grinding or otherwise machining workpiece 90. As will be appreciated, workpiece 90 may comprise any number or combination of man-made or naturally occurring materials. For example, workpiece 90 may be formed of wood, stone (such as granite, marble, or the like), acrylic or polyester resins, graphite fibers embedded within resin matrices, synthetic solid surfaces (such as cultured marble, CORIAN®, or the like), laminates, particle board, and the like.

According to certain embodiments, as detailed above, a suction hose 80 operably connected to suction device 100 may be inserted into suction fitting 30 of machine tool attachment 10, which is mounted to, or integrally formed with, machine tool 70. As will be appreciated, suction device 100 may be used to create a high-powered vacuum to draw dust and debris generated by rotary bit 72 as it works a workpiece 90 towards an appropriate disposal point. More specifically, the high-powered vacuum created by suction device 100 may draw at least a portion of the generated dust and debris into debris aperture 46 and/or central aperture 24 operably connected to annular recess 29, through debris passageway 28, and out channel 34 into suction hose 80 (see FIGS. 1-4 and 6).

In order to reduce potential sources of friction encountered by the dust and debris traveling through machine tool attachment 10, the edges of each element in machine tool attachment 10 may be rounded and smoothed. For example, the edges of central aperture 24, debris aperture 46, annular recess 29, posts 58, internal debris passageway 28, opening 26, and/or channel 34 may be rounded and smoothed to allow the debris and dust traveling therethrough to pass with the least amount of resistance. The surfaces of one or more of these elements may also be coated with a material having an extremely low coefficient of friction, such as the polymer compound polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

As will be appreciated, the exemplary configuration illustrated in FIGS. 1-2 allows rotatable member 40 and debris-directing structure 60 attached thereto to be rotated around rotary bit 72 of machine tool 70. For example, rotatable member 40, with debris-directing structure 60 attached thereto, may be rotated within base member 20 to various positions; such as the differing positions illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B. Advantageously, this rotatable configuration enables a user to rotate debris-directing structure 60 as needed to avoid interfering with the path of machine tool 70 as it travels along a workpiece 90, as illustrated in FIG. 7. Further, and most advantageously, this configuration enables a user to adjustably position debris-directing structure 60 in the path of the dust and debris projected by rotary bit 72 to more effectively direct the same into debris aperture 46 operably connected to annular recess 29.

For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, debris-directing structure 60 may be rotatably positioned by a user such that when machine tool 70 is brought into contact with workpiece 90, debris-directing structure 60 substantially surrounds the face of workpiece 90 being machined by machine tool 70. More particularly, because debris-directing structure 60 may be formed to have a generally concave shape (as seen in FIGS. 2A, 2B and 3) and a planar projection 62, debris-directing structure 60 may be positioned to substantially enclose the face of workpiece 90 being machined by machine tool 10.

Advantageously, by substantially surrounding or enclosing the face of workpiece 90 being machined, a substantial majority of the debris and dust particles generated by rotary bit 72 may be directed by debris-directing structure 60 into debris aperture 46 and central aperture 24, which are operably connected to suction device 100 via suction hose 80. Thus, even though the debris and dust particles generated by rotary bit 72 may be propelled away from workpiece 90 at extreme velocities, debris-directing structure 60 serves to deflect and direct this fast-moving dust and debris towards central aperture 24 and debris aperture 46 to be suctioned away by suction device 100.

Accordingly, by directing this fast-moving dust and debris towards debris aperture 46 and central aperture 24, machine tool attachment 10 enables suction device 100 to draw away and collect significantly more dust and debris than has been conventionally possible. In particular, by mounting debris-directing structure 60 on a rotatable member 40 housed within base member 20, a user may adjustably position debris-directing structure 60 to substantially surround rotary bit 72 and the face of workpiece 90 to more effectively draw away the generated dust and debris into debris aperture 46 and central aperture 24. In many cases, use of machine tool attachment 10 has resulted in a significant reduction in the amount of dust and debris dispersed into the worksite. Further, the position of debris-directing structure 60 may be rotatably adjusted as needed by a user to avoid interfering with the path of machine tool 70 as it travels along a workpiece 90.

The preceding description has been provided to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and aspects and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. This exemplary description is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to any precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations in the form and details are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, for ease of use, the words “including” and “having,” as used in the specification and claims, are interchangeable with and have the same meaning as the word “comprising.” It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the following claims. 

1. An apparatus for collecting dust and debris generated by a machine tool, the apparatus comprising: a base member configured to be removably attachable to the machine tool; a rotatable member rotatably retained within the base member; a debris channel formed in the base member; a debris-directing structure attached to the rotatable member and configured to direct dust and debris generated by the machine tool towards the debris channel.
 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a debris aperture formed in the rotatable member; wherein the debris aperture is configured to be in continuous operative connection with the debris channel throughout the entire range of rotation of the rotatable member.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a suction fitting attached to the base member; wherein the suction fitting is operatively connected to the debris channel and is configured to receive a suction hose attached to a suction device.
 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: an annular recess formed in the base member; a plurality of vertically extending posts provided within the annular recess; a retaining member mounted to the plurality of vertically extending posts; wherein the rotatable member is configured to be substantially annular in shape and the retaining member is configured to rotatably retain the rotatable member within the annular recess.
 5. The apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising: a recessed shelf formed along the circumference of the annular recess in the base member; wherein the rotatable member is configured to rest upon the recessed shelf; the retaining member is configured to be substantially annular in shape; at least a portion of the outer circumference of the retaining member is configured to have a larger diameter than that of the inner circumference of the rotatable member; the remaining portion of the outer circumference of the retaining member is configured to have a slightly smaller diameter than that of the inner circumference of the rotatable member.
 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the machine tool is a router or a handheld rotary tool.
 7. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a central aperture defined in the center of the base member and configured to receive a machine tool bit.
 8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the machine tool bit is a routing bit, a sanding bit, or a polishing bit.
 9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the base member is greater than or equal to 9/16 of an inch.
 10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the debris-directing structure is configured to have a concave surface.
 11. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the rotatable member is formed of steel.
 12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the rotatable member is coated with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).
 13. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the vertically extending posts are configured to be substantially cylindrical.
 14. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the debris aperture and the debris channel are configured to have rounded edges.
 15. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the base member and retaining member are formed of synthetic resin.
 16. A machine tool, comprising: a rotary bit; a base member configured to surround the rotary bit; a rotatable member configured to rotate within the base member and around the rotary bit; a debris channel formed in the base member; a debris-directing structure attached to the rotatable member and configured to direct dust and debris generated by the machine tool towards the debris channel.
 17. The machine tool according to claim 16, wherein the base member is integrally formed with the machine tool.
 18. The machine tool according to claim 16, further comprising a suction device in operative connection with the debris channel and configured to draw the dust and debris through the debris channel and towards the suction device.
 19. A method for collecting dust and debris generated by a machine tool, comprising: removably attaching a base member to the machine tool; providing a rotatable member configured to rotate within the base member; defining a debris channel in the base member; attaching a debris-directing structure to the rotatable member; directing dust and debris generated by the machine tool towards the debris channel via the debris-directing structure.
 20. The method according to claim 20, further comprising: operatively connecting a suction device to the debris channel; drawing the dust and debris generated by the machine tool and directed by the debris-directing structure through the debris channel and towards the suction device. 